By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over emerging threats to Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasising that credible polls cannot be achieved without strong national security.
Addressing the 2nd Annual Lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS), INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, stressed that elections and security are inseparable, describing them as “two sides of the same coin of national stability.”
He said the release of the 2027 election timetable marks a critical phase for the country, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for Jan. 16, 2027, and governorship polls on Feb. 6, 2027. According to him, the elections represent not just political milestones but potential “security triggers.”
Prof. Amupitan also highlighted key challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral process, including social media volatility, AI-driven disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation (FIMI), alongside existing security concerns. He noted that ensuring a safe and stable environment remains essential for credible elections.
He further pointed to declining voter turnout, which dropped from 53% in 2011 to 26% in 2023, stressing the importance of rebuilding public trust in the electoral system.
The INEC chairman added that the commission will continue deploying technological tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to safeguard the process, while calling for stronger collaboration among security agencies.